‘Remember Lot’s wife.’ Luke 17:32 KJV Before God destroyed the city of Sodom, He sent two angels to rescue Lot and his family from it. Their instructions were clear: ‘Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed…’ (Genesis 19:17 NKJV) But: ‘…his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.’ (Genesis 19:26 NKJV) Jesus recalled this story in a simple statement: ‘Remember Lot’s wife.’ Here are two lessons you should learn and remember: (1) Don’t look back with longing to your old sinful pleasures and pursuits. The promise […]

‘In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God…for you.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has a brilliant mind. He has been compared by some to Albert Einstein. But he has a rare degenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS syndrome or motor neurone disease). And it has left him virtually paralysed. He learned to use a computer with the tips of his fingers and was able to communicate his calculations and thoughts. Before he became ill, he described his life as a ‘pointless existence’. He drank too much and did very little work. But after […]

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.’ Psalm 127:1 NRS When your skill level is high but the challenge of the task is too low, you experience boredom. When your skill level is low and the challenge of the task is too high, you experience frustration and anxiety. But when the level of the challenge matches the level of your skills—then you’re ‘in the flow’. We don’t work mainly for money, recognition, promotion, applause or fame. We work for the flow that comes from a partnership with God. We hunger for flow, and when it’s present, […]

‘Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.’ Colossians 3:17 NIV Research shows that the best moments of our lives don’t come from leisure or pleasure. They come when you’re immersed in a significant task that’s challenging, yet matches up well to your highest abilities. In those moments, you’re so caught up in an activity that time somehow seems to be altered; your attention is fully focused without your having to work at it. You’re deeply aware, without being self-conscious; you’re being stretched and challenged, but without a sense of stress or worry. You have a sense of engagement […]

‘I must work the works of Him who sent Me.’ John 9:4 NKJV You’ll experience a new level of fulfilment when you begin to see what you do for a living as an important part of God’s will for your life. Jesus preached and healed, but He saw it all as ‘work’ given to Him by His Father. You must too. Instead of seeing church as a place where you meet with God on Sunday morning, see it as a place where you’re fed and strengthened so that you can carry the presence of God with you into the workplace. ‘Whatever […]

‘Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”‘ Luke 8:30 NAS Remember the man in Scripture who was possessed by demons? ‘Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many devils had entered him.’ (A legion in the Roman army comprised some six thousand troops.) ‘Legion’ wasn’t this man’s real name; it represented his demonic oppression. He’d suffered with this oppression so long that perhaps he’d come to accept it as the new norm. Perhaps you’re struggling along a similar vein, naming yourself ‘Fatso’ because you’ve battled weight for so long with no apparent victory in sight. Or you […]

‘God was kind! He made me what I am, and His wonderful kindness wasn’t wasted.’ 1 Corinthians 15:10 CEV If you’ve been blessed with success, read these words from Paul and take them to heart: ‘God was kind! He made me what I am, and His wonderful kindness wasn’t wasted.’ Every good thing you have right now, plus every good thing you’ll enjoy in the future, comes from God. Try never to forget that! You say, ‘Wait a minute, I worked hard for this. Don’t I deserve a little credit?’ Yes, you do; the Bible says, ‘Give honour and respect to […]

‘He will direct his children.’ Genesis 18:19 NIV Speaking about Abraham, God said, ‘He will direct his children… to keep the way of the Lord.’ Can God say that about you? When you get serious about raising godly children, God puts the focus where it belongs—on you! If you want to see important truths sail right over your children’s heads, try teaching them something you’re not personally committed to. Do you think your children are just being difficult? No, they’re watching you like a hawk! If your actions demonstrate that what you’re teaching them isn’t important to you, it’ll never be […]